How to Remove Coffee Stains from Clothes: A Complete Guide

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How to Remove Coffee Stains from Clothes

Everyone wants a cup of coffee after dinner to boost the metabolic system and add a nice touch to the meal. But if the coffee spills on your clothes, it could be a problem. You can remove coffee stains at home with some tips or hire the washing services of Love2laundry during an emergency.

Our washing process and handling of outfits after inspection completely remove old coffee stains. We’ll even protect your delicate fabrics from sustaining damage while removing coffee stains.

If you’re looking for expert insights to get coffee stains out of clothes, let’s read them together.


Why Coffee Stains Are Stubborn

You’ll face problems when removing coffee stains because of the elements it includes, like oil, tannins, and acids. 

Tannins are the main element of stubborn coffee stains because it’s a plant-based compound. While oil and acids contain a greasy substance that spreads the coffee stain deep in the fibre. Let’s find out other reasons why coffee stains are stubborn.

  • Coffee is always served hot, meaning it’ll go deep within the fibres if it spills on your clothes.
  • Coffee contains oil, which makes the stain stubborn. 
  • The older the stain gets, the more stubborn and hard it would be to remove it.

Preparing to Remove Coffee Stains

Washing clothes at home to remove coffee stains requires preparations like gathering supplies and a proper washing area. So, let’s learn how to do it.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

The first step is gathering the tools and materials required to get rid of a coffee stain. Remember that the materials could vary according to the condition of the stain and fabric type. You can see below the materials required:

  • Paper towels 
  • Cold water
  • Baking soda
  • Toothbrush
  • Washing machine

Setting Up Your Workspace

Setting up a washing space in your house to remove coffee stains requires you to consider the size of your house, and a basement would be great. So, if you want to know more tips for setting up a washing area, check them below:

  • Ensure your chosen space has a proper ventilation system to prevent moisture growth.
  • Install a drainage system in your washing area so that your washing machine gets proper water supply.
  • Choose the washing machines and dryers as per the required size to remove coffee stains from white clothes.
  • Mount shelves and drying racks in your washing area to store supplies and hang clothes to dry.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Coffee Stains 

Once you’re done setting up your washing space, now comes the washing procedure to remove coffee stains. If washing your clothes first, remember that every fabric requires a different procedure. So let’s read them:

Treating Fresh Coffee Stains

Drinking coffee and suddenly some drops spilled on your shirt? Then, it means immediate actions like:

  • Blotting your shirt with a clean cloth and dab the stained area instead of rubbing.
  • Now, rinse your shirt with cold water to remove the coffee stains under the fibres.
  • Apply a liquid detergent, leave it for 5 minutes and rinse with cold water to remove the coffee stain.
  • Dry the outfit naturally or use a dryer.

Techniques for Cotton and Linen

In case you spill coffee on cotton or linen fabric, then here’s an easy guide for you to follow:

  • Blot the stain with a clean cloth and apply a liquid detergent for pretreatment.
  • Soak your fabric in warm water for 30 minutes, and if the stain is old, add some vinegar as well.
  • Now, wash your clothes in a washing machine filled with hot water and detergent.

Check your outfits carefully after the wash and if you still find some coffee stains, then repeat the process.

Techniques for Synthetic Fabrics

To remove coffee stains, synthetic fabrics with luxury designs must be handled carefully. One small mistake and the entire outfit can be ruined. You can avoid such mishaps by following this guide.

  • Blot the area where the coffee stain is with delicate hands.
  • Rinse the fabric with cold water app, ly a stain remover with the help of a bristled brush, and leave it for 30 minutes.
  • Now wash your clothes as per the instructions mentioned on the clothing label to remove stains from clothes.
  • Inspect the outfit before drying. If there are some coffee stains left, then repeat the process.

Special Tips for Delicate Fabrics

Among the best ways to remove old coffee stains from clothes with delicate fibres, following a professional step would be great. You can look at the steps mentioned here to get rid of coffee stains from sensitive fabrics:

  • Blot the stained area with a clean cloth and rinse it with cold water as usual.
  • Apply a gentle stain remover on your fabric to loosen up the coffee stain.
  • You can also apply some vinegar if you want as an optional step.
  • Rinse your fabric thoroughly to remove coffee stains and dry it.

Advanced Stain Removal Tips

There are some advanced tips to remove coffee stains in emergencies. For instance, if you find out a day before the event that your shirt has some coffee stains, then you can follow the ones below:


Tips for Delicate Fabrics

When removing oil stains from delicate fabrics, it is preferred to hand wash gently, apply a mild dish soap or baby shampoo, and rinse with cold water. Always test the cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric. And apply cornstarch or powder for efficient results. 

Dealing with Old or Dried Stains

Dealing with old and dried coffee stains could be hard to remove. They could even leave a permanent mark on your outfits. But with advanced removal tips, you can remove them easily. So, let’s have a look:

  • Pretreat the stain with a liquid detergent.
  • Soak your fabric in warm water if required.
  • Blot and rinse your fabric thoroughly.
  • Apply a stain remover and leave it for 10 minutes before start washing.

When to Seek Professional Help

The ideal time to seek professionals to wash your clothes is when you’re out of supplies or short on time. Another reason could be that your washing method couldn’t remove coffee stains from your clothes.

You can look for professional laundry services at Love2Laundry when your washing machine is out of order.

Preventing Future Coffee Stains

You can prevent coffee stains in future by following the tips and washing techniques discussed below:

  • Use spill-proof containers to keep the clothes safe from coffee stains.
  • Use a fabric protector while drinking coffee so it won’t ruin your outfit, even if it spills. Remember to take immediate action if the coffee stain on your shirt is fresh.
  • Avoid drinking coffee in a crowded area where it can spill on your outfits even with a little rub of peoples shoulders.

FAQs – How to get out coffee stains

How do you get dried coffee stains out?

Start by soaking your fabric in cold water for 30 minutes, then apply a liquid detergent for pretreatment. Rub it with a brush and leave for 10 minutes before start washing.

Does coffee stain remain on clothes permanently?

No, coffee stains do not stay on clothes permanently if the right washing method is followed, which includes cold water and a stain remover.

Does vinegar remove coffee stains from clothes?

Of course, vinegar can remove coffee stains. Prepare a solution with vinegar and water, apply it on the stain, leave it for a few minutes and then wash it normally.

How do you get old coffee stains from clothes without vinegar?

Take a liquid detergent or a stain remover, apply it on the stained area, rub it gently, and leave it for 15 minutes. Now, rinse the fabric with warm water and wash it as usual.


Wrap Up!

Now that you’ve learned everything required to remove coffee stains, it will be easier to deal with them. You can gather the tools and equipment needed and the proper way to deal with coffee stains on different fabrics.

The tips above will also guide you about the situations when you must seek assistance from a professional laundry service provider.